Lawyer for chimp attack victim says she should be allowed to sue Connecticut DEEP for $150 million

The Associated Press

Published
12:00 am EDT, Thursday, June 28, 2012

HARTFORD -- Lawyers for a Connecticut woman severely disfigured in a chimpanzee attack have filed papers accusing state officials of failing to seize the primate despite a staff member's warning that it was dangerous before the mauling.

Attorneys for Charla Nash filed documents Wednesday with the state claims commissioner that explain why she should be allowed sue the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for $150 million. The commissioner must approve any lawsuit against the state.

A hearing before the commissioner is set for Aug. 10. State Attorney General George Jepsen says the state shouldn't be held liable.

The chimpanzee ripped off Nash's nose, lips, eyelids and hands before being killed by police outside Nash's friend's home in Stamford. Nash's family sought permission to sue the state later in 2009.